Everyone in the IT sphere - well, even people outside of the IT sphere - know that ransomware is on the rise, and very, very dangerous. The question that is still hotly-debated, though, is whether or not an organization hit by ransomware should pay. In this article, we’re going to examine the pros and (mostly) cons of paying ransomware.
We’ll also look at modern ransomware tactics, and how best to avoid (or at least avoid paying) them.

Understanding Modern Ransomware Tactics

Today's ransomware attacks are way beyond the reach and influence of simple file encryption. Cybercriminals use sophisticated double extortion tactics where they steal sensitive data before encryption and threaten to publish it if their demands aren't met. This strategy works really well - 93% of current ransomware attacks now include data theft.

As if that weren’t enough, these groups have stepped up their game with triple extortion techniques by adding distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks to their toolkit. They target critical infrastructure organizations, often leading to extended downtime of essential services like healthcare and utilities.

Don’t worry, it gets even better.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has made it easier than ever for cybercriminals to get started. This new part of the criminal gig economy lets attackers with limited skills run sophisticated campaigns using rented tools. The market has responded - there's been a 112% increase in original access broker offerings since 2021.

Modern ransomware groups rely on these main attack methods:

• Exploiting system vulnerabilities
• Brute-forcing credentials
• Social engineering campaigns
• Making use of compromised credentials
• Abusing trusted relationships

These groups also target backup systems before launching their attacks. They try to force victims into paying by removing all recovery options. The attackers also use psychological pressure through countdown timers and increasing ransom demands. These sophisticated attacks have led to some huge demands - the highest ransom ever asked for was $30 million.

Does Paying Work?

The pros of paying are that you might get your data back. The cons of paying are that you probably won’t, AND you’ll most likely get hit again.

The numbers are shocking - 80% of businesses that pay ransomware criminals end up getting hit again. Many companies think paying up is the fastest way to get their data back, but that’s clearly not true. With typical payments reaching in the millions of dollars, most companies can’t really afford to be hit repeatedly. It should also be noted that paying doesn’t typically get your data back.

According to an article in Forbes, only 8% of businesses get all of their data back, and 29% only get half. Everyone else? Nada. Couple that with the sad reality that your cyber insurance premiums will likely spike - this happens to 74% of victims - as well as the fact that you might also face legal issues, and paying seems less like a good idea.

So, what should you do? We’ll explore the best alternatives to paying ransoms.

Smart Alternatives to Paying Ransom

Organizations can implement proven defense strategies instead of paying ransomware demands. Backing up systems comprehensively is an incredibly effective countermeasure, with 89% of companies now using immutable cloud storage to protect their data. The 3-2-1-1 backup strategy has become the gold standard to protect data. This approach needs three copies of data, backup storage on two different media types, one copy offsite, and one backup that stays immutable. Companies that use this strategy pay by a lot less in recovery costs - USD 375,000 compared to USD 3 million when backups get compromised.

Here are a few other critical steps to best respond to ransomware incidents:

• Isolate infected systems immediately to prevent spread
• Report the incident to the CISA and FBI to find potential decryption solutions
• Participate with incident response teams to get technical assistance
• Restore from secure, tested backups

Business continuity planning serves as a crucial defense against ransomware. Companies should create detailed recovery procedures and test them regularly. A ransomware-specific resiliency plan helps make business-driven decisions rather than choices under attacker pressure.

Federal agencies ended up providing great support through the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. They offer services like vulnerability scanning and risk assessments. So involve them and help get yourselves back on track quickly.

Building Ransomware Resistance for 2025

Ransomware threats in 2025 need both human awareness and technical infrastructure to defend against attacks. This makes detailed defense strategies crucial.

Security awareness programs are the life-blood of ransomware prevention.

Organizations that train their employees see response times drop by a lot, and effective training always involves covering phishing attempts, safe browsing habits, and quick responses to suspicious activities.

Here are the technical steps needed to boost ransomware defense:

• Regular vulnerability scanning of internet-facing devices
• Implementation of detailed asset management approaches
• Application of least privilege principles across systems
• Proper configuration of cloud services and mobile devices

The CISA suggests using zero-trust architecture to reduce the attack surface and block unauthorized access, on top of the typical advice to regularly patch and update software.

Conclusion

Ransomware attacks will definitely become more sophisticated through 2025, but paying the ransom remains a dangerous gamble. Data shows that most companies regret this choice. They face repeated attacks and recover minimal data despite paying millions.

Prevention works better than giving in to demands. A reliable 3-2-1-1 backup strategy, along with employee security awareness and proper technical infrastructure, protects against ransomware threats by a lot. These measures cost nowhere near potential ransom payments and have much higher success rates.

Strong cybersecurity needs both human and technical elements. A strong defense against evolving threats comes from regular security training, vulnerability management, and zero-trust architecture implementation. Companies that make these preventive measures a priority today will handle future ransomware challenges better.

Note that no organization is immune to ransomware attacks, but preparation determines survival. Tested backup systems and detailed security measures provide the best defense against these growing threats.